Donated Books
Sixty-five thousand books — and counting! During the pandemic, RIF NOVA began collecting new and (very) gently used books from the Northern Virginia community with the goal to provide more books to children who had little to no access to school or public libraries. The program has been so successful that we now share our donated books not only with our existing network of more than 30 schools and sites, but also with local organizations that would like to provide books to the children they serve.
If you would like to DONATE BOOKS, please click this link. If you are a nonprofit organization needing books for the children in your programs, we will try to help. Click here for information about how to REQUEST BOOKS!
“Reading Saves the Day”
With the theme “Reading Saves the Day,” Arlington’s Polk Elementary held a mid-September literacy night, complete with literacy games and activities, reading corners, and books from RIF NOVA’s donated books collection. Graphic novels were the first to go! In the classrooms, teachers read stories, and kids did projects related to the book they had heard. What a fun way to engage children and their parents in the importance of reading!
Back to School Backpack Packing
It was a great community turnout at a mid-August back-to-school event at the Minnie Peyton Community Center — with lines of children and families queuing up to choose books from the RIF NOVA donated books collection. Sponsored by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, it was a perfect introduction to the new school year — with books to read and add to home libraries! And, of course, RIF NOVA mascot Clifford added to the fun!
Wash and Read
A family of volunteers built a bookshelf (with materials donated by Mill Direct Flooring) for placement at the Casa Laundromat Wash & Fold in Alexandria. As books were being stocked on the new shelf, readers were eagerly looking through the books from our Donated Books program to find a book or books of interest! As of mid-September, almost 400 books had been chosen to go to new homes!
Popsicles in the Park
Popsicles in the Park got underway in July 2026 as the World Cup semifinals were being played. That did not stop families from gathering for popsicles supplied by Arlington’s Carlin Springs Elementary and books from RIF NOVA’s Donated Books program! Such a fun mid-July stop for summer readers! A second “Popsicles” took place in August, with help from four of RIF NOVA’s Young Ambassadors.
Children’s Summer Reading Festival
A better day could not have been found for the Fairfax Library Foundation’s annual festival of summer reading for children on June 13, 2026. RIF NOVA’s booth was “hot” — with lines of kids and families waiting to choose books from our donated books collection. Just under 1,400 books went flying into children’s hands. Clifford was there to engage the kids, and a special personality from the Washington Nationals stopped by for a quick read! Such an amazing festival of reading and community!
